RELIGIOSITY AS A MODERATOR IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMOTIONAL DYSREGULATION AND NON-SUICIDAL SELF-INJURY: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING APPROACH

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the role of religiosity as a moderating factor in the relationship between emotional dysregulation and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among individuals experiencing psychological distress.

Design: A cross-sectional design was employed with a sample of 250 participants from Pakistan. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS.

Findings: Measurement model demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity (α = 0.84–0.92; CR = 0.88–0.93; AVE = 0.52–0.59), and discriminant validity (HTMT < 0.90). Structural model revealed that emotional dysregulation significantly predicted NSSI (β = 0.55, p < .001). Moderation analysis indicated that religiosity significantly moderates the relationship between emotional dysregulation and NSSI (β = -0.18, p = .004). The model demonstrated good explanatory power (R² = 0.49) and strong predictive relevance (Q² = 0.31). Effect size confirmed emotional dysregulation as the strongest predictor (f² = 0.38), with religiosity contributing both directly and interactively.

Implications: Integrating religiosity into assessment may enhance therapeutic outcomes and reduce maladaptive coping behaviors.

Originality:      This study offers a nuanced understanding of NSSI through conceptualizing religiosity as a moderator that attenuates the impact of emotional dysregulation on non-suicidal self-injury within a culturally grounded Pakistani context.